Melissa Peterson
Vancouver,WA
Summary
Accomplished Special Education Teacher at Vancouver Public Schools, adept in differentiated instruction and fostering strong relationships, significantly enhanced academic success and personal growth for diverse learners. Expert in collaborative teamwork and utilizing evidence-based practices, achieving remarkable improvements in student engagement and behavior management.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Vancouver Public Schools
08.2002 - Current
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted positive learning environment through use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Assisted in creating safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented evidence-based behavioral intervention strategies, promoting positive learning environment for all students.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing ongoing support during their transition into the profession.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
Education
Masters of Education - Special Education
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks05.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
State University of New York College At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY12.1999
Skills
- Lesson Planning
- Group and individual instruction
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Classroom Management
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Vancouver Public Schools
08.2002 - Current
Masters of Education - Special Education
University of North Dakota
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
State University of New York College At Buffalo